Education · 1 of 5

The path

A four-year engineering degree, then two exams and four years of supervised work to get licensed.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Math through calculus if your school offers it, plus physics and chemistry. Earth science helps but is not required.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Geological engineering or mining engineering, accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Most programs include a summer field session.

3. 3

   Fundamentals of Engineering exam

   Final year

   A six-hour computer-based test, usually taken in your final year. Passing makes you an engineer in training.

4. 4

   Work under a licensed engineer

   4 years

   Four years of documented experience is the standard requirement in most states.

5. 5

   Principles and Practice of Engineering exam

   After 4 years

   Sit the Mining and Mineral Processing paper, or a civil paper if your work went that way, then apply to your state board for the license.